In the face of such a vile accusation, both Madam Bai and Grandma Jiang bristled their fur in defense.
"What are you talking about, Liuxian! How is this a set-up? You asked me to find a new resort manager for you, and Fang Ruoye just happens to be the best candidate for this job!" Madam Bai exclaimed.
Grandma Jiang wagged a finger in warning before Bai Liuxian and said, "Little Bai, do not look down on my granddaughter, or you will regret it bitterly! My Ruoye has two other job offers lining up, one in Phoenix Trading International and another in Longyue Entertainment! If you don't want to give her the job, then don't! I shall take her with me and we will walk out right now!"
Grandma Jiang was on her feet in a flash. She marched toward the door, making everyone believe that she was leaving, while she really did not plan to leave at all. Even her handbag was still sitting on the table.
"Auntie Jiang, please don't be rash," Madam Bai, in feigned shock, grabbed Grandma Jiang's arm and pulled her back to her seat. "Liuxian is young and often speaks out of line. Liuxian! Apologize to Auntie Jiang and Miss Fang this instant!"
Bai Liuxian gave his mother a long glance before he bowed his head and apologized, "I am sorry for being young and speaking out of line. Madam Jiang, Miss Fang, kindly forgive me."
Grandma Jiang was not satisfied with a half-hearted apology from Bai Liuxian, but she allowed herself to be coaxed into staying.
"Since Little Bai is the best physician I have ever had and he has been taking care of me for years, I will let this slide."
Fang Ruoye sneaked a glance at Bai Liuxian. Her eyes happened to meet Bai Liuxian's. Even without saying it out loud, they both agreed that this was a set-up.
"Well then, now that it is cleared... we two ladies will go down to the restaurant to grab some tea. You two kids, play nice, hmm?"
Madam Bai took Grandma Jiang with her and left. In the conference room, only Bai Liuxuan and Fang Ruoye remained.
Gracefully, Fang Ruoye pushed the unsigned employment contract toward Bai Liuxian.
"Mr. Bai, please allow me to apologize on my grandmother's behalf. She is only doing this because she is worried about me. I can fully understand why you would prefer not to hire me. Kindly take the employment contract back. Rest assured, I will explain things properly to both Madam Bai and my grandmother. I will not make things difficult for you."
Bai Liuxian took his seat and leaned back, observing Fang Ruoye with his dark eyes.
"Miss Fang, why would you assume that I won't hire you?"
"Ah? Were you not against it?"
"Do you like working in hotels?"
"Yes."
"Will you do your best to keep the hotel running, minimize expenses, but maximize profit without ruining guest experience?"
"Yes, yes, and yes."
Bai Liuxian's lips pulled into a smile.
"In that case, why wouldn't I hire you?"
"... Because you just said that this was a set-up..."
"That's not the set-up I am talking about."
"..."
Then...
Bai Liuxian chuckled.
"Never mind. Go ahead and sign the employment contract. As you can see, I am not only the President of the Bai Group but also a medical practitioner in various hospitals. In the near future, I plan on opening my own hospital, so I won't have much time to spend in this resort. That's why I need someone to act as my eyes, ears, hands, and feet in this establishment. That person will be you."
Fang Ruoye nodded.
"I see."
"You will get all the benefits mentioned in the employment contract. If you want more in the future, feel free to tell me about it."
"Thank you, Mr. Bai."
"It seems that we are going to communicate a lot with each other in the future. As my employee as well as fellow parent at Golden Dragon Academy, I mean."
Fang Ruoye's chest tightened with an inexplicable emotion.
"I think so, yes."
Bai Liuxian extended a hand in Fang Ruoye's direction.
"In that case, I hope that we will cooperate well with each other."
Fang Ruoye took his hand and shook it, but Bai Liuxuan did not let go immediately. Fang Ruoye's hand was engulfed in his much larger, warm hand. The heat crept to Fang Ruoye's cheeks, making her blush against her will.
"Yes, I hope so," she said, her slightly trembling voice betraying the unrest in her heart.
Bai Liuxian finally let go, and Fang Ruoye inadvertently heaved a sigh of relief.
"By chance, we have just received a booking for a wedding ceremony last week. It is to take place in this hotel in two weeks. I trust that you will do your best to make it a grand success."
Fang Ruoye beamed at her new boss.
"Of course, Mr. Bai. I will not let you down."
Bai Liuxian was kind enough to accompany her when she met her new staff a while later. With the president around, no one dared to slack around, let alone bully this new resort manager!
When Fang Ruoye finished with her introductory speech, she was greeted with a round of enthusiastic applause.
Every direction from her was met with "Yes, Manager!" without fail.
Bai Liuxian had informed Fang Ruoye about the wedding ceremony, that was due in two weeks.
It was Fang Ruoye's first job, so she was determined to deliver amazing results that would solidify her worth in her boss's eyes. She had to prove to Bai Liuxian that, although she got in through connections, she was ready to work hard and contribute to the resort.
And yet, her confidence faltered an hour later, when she gathered her new staff to discuss the planning of said wedding ceremony and read the name of the happy couple --- Luo Yanming and Hong Yinling.
The six characters stood across the screen, glaring at her like sea of fire.
Fang Ruoye could sense a wave of headache coming at her at a light speed.